2009 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · SC09 LJF

The most recent DVSA examination on 13 July 2026 resulted in a Pass, though it was accompanied by a Minor defect concerning a severely deteriorated nearside front constant velocity (CV) joint boot and an advisory noting slight play in the nearside front suspension arm ball joint. While a Pass with advisories is not uncommon on a vehicle of this age, the accumulating entries over the preceding three tests indicate a gradually worsening trend rather than a stable one. The 2024 test flagged deterioration to both front and rear registration plates alongside an advisory on the nearside front inner steering rack joint, and the 2025 test, although recording no advisories at the time, was followed in 2026 by the boot deterioration and the suspension ball joint play. Taken together with the 2022 headlamp aim failures on both sides and repeated tyre perishing advisories on the offside rear, the picture is of an older vehicle that is beginning to demand attention to its steering, suspension, and under-bonnet sealing components. None of the recorded items are presently dangerous, but the recurrence of wear-related advisories suggests that the next annual test is likely to surface further defects if remedial work is not undertaken. The recorded mileage of 69,825 miles across approximately seventeen years equates to an annual average of around 4,100 miles, which is markedly lower than the typical mileage for a Ford Fiesta of the same vintage and considerably below the 8,000 to 10,000 miles per year often considered average for a small car used as a daily driver. This lower-than-average figure could reflect genuine light use, perhaps as a second household vehicle or one reserved for short journeys, but it equally raises the possibility of extended periods of standing or only sporadic running. Low annual mileage is not automatically beneficial, as prolonged inactivity can be just as hard on a vehicle as heavy use, encouraging corrosion on brake discs, seizing of caliper sliding mechanisms, deterioration of rubber components, and degradation of fluids purely through age rather than consumption. Given the age of the car, the advisories relating to tyre cracking and perishing on the offside rear as far back as 2021, and the very modest annual mileage, a prospective buyer should carry out a thorough physical inspection irrespective of the clean Pass recorded in 2025. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing, cracking between tread blocks, and any bulges, particularly as rubber compounds harden with calendar age regardless of remaining tread depth; any tyres older than five years from their DOT date stamp should be regarded as nearing the end of their safe service life. Brake discs should be inspected for surface corrosion and the calipers checked for smooth operation, as a vehicle that has stood for long periods commonly suffers from binding or seized caliper pistons and guide pins. The 12V battery is another priority, since low-use vehicles frequently suffer from chronic undercharging, leading to reduced cranking performance and the risk of sudden failure; a load test or professional battery health check is advisable. Coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid should all be considered due for renewal purely on age, as brake fluid in particular is hygroscopic and loses effectiveness over time even in low-mileage cars, typically requiring replacement every two to three years. On a test drive, particular attention should be paid to the symptoms that may accompany the advisories already on file. The noted play in the nearside front suspension arm ball joint may manifest as a clonking or knocking noise from the front when traversing speed humps, potholes, or uneven surfaces, and uneven or feathered wear across the nearside front tyre would be a strong indicator that the joint has worn further. The deteriorated CV boot, if left unattended, will allow grease to escape and allow moisture and dirt to enter the joint, leading to eventual CV joint failure characterised by a clicking or popping noise on full-lock turns and, in advanced cases, vibration under acceleration. The steering rack joint advisory from 2024 should similarly be monitored for any looseness, vagueness, or knocking through the steering wheel, particularly over rough roads. Finally, given the headlamp aim failures recorded in 2022, it would be prudent to verify that both headlamps are correctly aligned, that all exterior bulbs including the offside front side repeater (which failed in 2023) are functional, and that the registration plates have not deteriorated to the point of being illegible, as any of these could precipitate a future MOT failure.